The Nedbank Cup has long been South African football’s great equaliser, a competition where reputation counts for little and belief can carry amateurs into immortality. It is the tournament that turns dusty training grounds into theatres of dreams and allows part-time footballers to stare down established stars without fear.
As the 2026 edition approaches, the memories of past shocks serve as a reminder that in this competition, history is never safe.
Below are some of the most unforgettable moments when teams from the SAFA structures humbled Premiership opposition and rewrote the script.
14 April 2010 – Platinum Stars 2–3 ALS Puk Tawana
Third-tier ALS Puk Tawana produced a stunning North West derby upset by knocking out Platinum Stars in the first round. The feeder club to Mamelodi Sundowns played with fearless intent, racing into a commanding lead through Lebepe Phetolo and Jabulani Shongwe.
Although Kagiso Senamela briefly revived Stars with a brace, Shongwe’s second goal and a missed penalty drama ensured the minnows held on in a breathless contest.
3 April 2011 – Baroka FC 2–1 Moroka Swallows
Unknown beyond Limpopo at the time, Baroka FC announced themselves to the nation with a famous Last 16 victory over Moroka Swallows.
Katlego Mashego’s opener and Mashilo Moremi’s late strike overturned Swallows’ brief revival and marked the first time a third-tier side defeated Premiership opposition at this stage of the competition.
24 April 2011 – Baroka FC 2–1 Kaizer Chiefs
Arguably the most iconic upset in Nedbank Cup history. Baroka went a step further by eliminating Kaizer Chiefs in the quarter-finals, something no third-tier side had ever done.
Knowledge Musona gave Chiefs the lead, but Sam Ndlovu’s equaliser and Thobani Mncwango’s injury-time winner sealed a fairytale that transformed Baroka into overnight sensations.
23 February 2013 – Maluti FET College 4–1 Orlando Pirates
Few results have shaken South African football quite like Maluti FET College’s demolition of Orlando Pirates. The Free State outfit overwhelmed the defending champions with pace, power, and belief. Lucky Mokoena’s brace and Mashale Rantabane’s goals left the Buccaneers shell-shocked in a result many still regard as the greatest cup upset of all.
27 February 2013 – AmaZulu 1–2 Tembu Royals
Tembu Royals carried the Eastern Cape’s hopes into Durban and delivered a masterclass in resilience. Goals from Sechaba Mofokeng and Zukisa Ginya put the third-tier side in control, and despite AmaZulu’s late pressure and near misses, the Royals stood firm to secure a historic win.
21 February 2015 – Chippa United 0–0 Natal United (Natal United won 4–2 on penalties)
In a tense, goalless affair settled by penalties, Natal United held their nerve to eliminate Chippa United. Goalkeeper Nkosigiphile Zondi emerged as the hero in the shootout, underlining how composure can outweigh pedigree in knockout football.
11 March 2017 – KwaDukuza United 2–2 Ajax Cape Town (KwaDukuza won 4–3 on penalties)
KwaDukuza United twice came from behind against Ajax Cape Town, forcing extra time and then penalties. Their mental strength was rewarded in the shootout, where they claimed another memorable scalp and added their name to Nedbank Cup folklore.
12 March 2017 – Acornbush 1–0 Cape Town City
Fresh from Telkom Knockout success, Cape Town City were stunned by third-tier Acornbush. Mduduzi Nkosi’s first-half strike proved decisive as the underdogs rode the wave of a passionate home crowd to record one of the competition’s most unexpected results.
9 February 2020 – Lamontville Golden Arrows 2–2 VUT (VUT won 6–5 on penalties)
History was made when fourth-tier VUT became the lowest-ranked side to eliminate top-flight opposition. After extra time and a dramatic penalty shootout, the Students celebrated a victory that perfectly captured the spirit of the Nedbank Cup.
As the 2026 tournament looms, these stories stand as proof that in this competition, belief can be stronger than status and giants must always watch their footing.
